Title: In the name of love
Author: Anuoluwapo Ogunmoroti
Reviewer: Ntakobong Otongaran
Publishers: Smart ENT
Year of publication: 2025
In the Name of Love takes readers on an emotional journey through the eyes of Koriola, a young woman navigating her dreams, insecurities, and relationships in the world of theatre. Divided into 15 chapters with an epilogue, each chapter intricately builds her growth as a person and performer, blending humor, romance, and introspection.
The opening chapter introduces Koriola, a young girl preparing for a life-changing audition. It captures the tension between ambition and vulnerability as she navigates familial expectations and self-doubt.
The domestic setting, with Koriola’s mother offering quiet support, anchors the story in real emotions, setting up the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery. The chapter promises a character-driven narrative about becoming, not just achieving. A powerful opener, emotionally engaging and full of psychological depth.
The second chapter shifts the focus to Koriola’s internal struggles with identity and desire. After a tense interaction with Griffin, a confident stranger, Koriola’s self-reflection unfolds with humor and emotional complexity. The chapter explores attraction, familial legacy, and friendship through sharp dialogue and insightful character dynamics. A witty and reflective chapter, rich in themes of self-perception and love.
This chapter slows the pace, focusing on Koriola’s warmth at home with her mother and dog. While lighthearted and funny, it deepens the character’s emotional core, offering moments of intimacy and quiet growth. The chapter skillfully balances humor with the themes of family, comfort, and the anticipation of Koriola’s future. A heartwarming chapter that enriches the emotional landscape of the story. Koriola receives her big break, but the celebration is grounded in the mundanity of home life.
This chapter skillfully portrays the juxtaposition of monumental success with everyday life, exploring the theme of achievement within routine. Family interactions, especially with her mother and cousin, bring humor and emotional depth to the narrative. A satisfying chapter that integrates personal triumph with familial warmth. The narrative shifts to the rehearsal environment, introducing new characters and professional tensions. The awkward but electric dynamic between Koriola and Griffin adds humor and emotional layers, while Koriola’s growth continues as she navigates creative collaboration.
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The chapter explores identity and the challenges of working with people you don’t naturally get along with. An engaging chapter that deepens the narrative, moving the story into the realm of creative work.
Koriola’s emotional growth is evident as she faces conflict and growth within her team. The rehearsal of the poem “I Won’t Let Go” serves as a bonding moment, exploring themes of forgiveness, trust, and vulnerability. Koriola’s maturity is highlighted by her ability to handle miscommunication and build trust.
Chapter Seven is a lighter, humorous chapter with a touch of romantic tension, White Frame offers a respite from the heavier emotional themes. Koriola’s blossoming feelings for Griffin are complicated by humor and self-awareness, maintaining a delicate balance between vulnerability and humor.
In Chapter 8, Koriola steps deeper into her role, embracing her growth as both an actress and a person. The contrasting energy between Koriola and Griffin creates a palpable tension, deepening their complex relationship. The poem “From Here On” acts as an emotional anchor for the characters’ evolving dynamic.
Performance, vulnerability, and romantic tension collide in this emotionally charged chapter 9. Koriola and Griffin’s interactions reach a turning point, offering a glimpse into the complexity of their relationship.
The emotional weight of Koriola’s internal conflict, compounded by Griffin’s performance, adds to the tension. A gripping chapter that captures the nuances of romantic and professional vulnerability.
Chapter 10 uses humor and embarrassment to explore boundaries and emotional exposure during a sensitive rehearsal. The awkwardness between Koriola and Griffin brings a layer of authenticity to their relationship, showcasing the vulnerability inherent in performing emotionally charged material. A chapter that masterfully balances comedy with emotional depth. A quieter, introspective chapter that focuses on Koriola’s acceptance of herself and her craft. The chapter explores her increasing comfort in her artistic and emotional journey, with humor and insight providing a grounded sense of personal growth.
A reflective chapter that marks a significant turning point in Koriola’s development.
In Chapter 12, it is a turning point for Koriola, as it deepens the emotional intensity of her journey. The sensuality of the poem “First Passion” creates both tension and personal growth as Koriola navigates her feelings for Griffin and her role as an actress. A mature and emotionally layered chapter that pushes Koriola to new emotional heights.
Chapter 13 explores the contrast between success and inner turmoil, with complex emotional dynamics between the characters. The use of poems “Trouble in Paradise” and “Beautiful Stranger” adds depth to the ongoing narrative, while witty dialogue and subtle romantic subtext keep the story engaging. A chapter that skillfully balances emotional complexity with humor and conflict.
Chapter 14 is a pivotal chapter in the story. ‘As It Is’ captures the emotional stakes of Koriola’s journey. The poem’s raw vulnerability and Griffin’s steady support highlight the deepening connection between them, setting the stage for the story’s emotional climax. A powerful chapter filled with emotional depth and dramatic intensity.
Chapter 15 looks at the emotional culmination of Koriola’s journey. It captures her growth as an actress and a person. The final poem and her mother’s presence bring closure to Koriola’s journey, marking a moment of self-realization and emotional clarity. A satisfying conclusion that ties together themes of love, vulnerability, and personal growth
‘In the Name of Love’ by Anuoluwapo Ogunmoroti is a richly textured coming-of-age novel that captures the thrill and ache of youth, the vulnerability of first love, and the transformative power of art.
Told through the eyes of a vibrant, self-aware protagonist, the book offers an emotionally resonant journey that is at once specific in its cultural grounding and universal in its emotional appeal. From the first chapter to the final curtain call, Ogunmoroti delivers a story that brims with humor, humanity, and heart.
Minor Copy-Editing and Typographical Inconsistencies are spotted. A final professional proofread would address minor grammar slips, punctuation hiccups, and typographical errors. These are few and far between, but their presence slightly disrupts the otherwise polished prose. ‘In the Name of Love’ is a heartfelt, culturally rich, and emotionally intelligent debut that deserves attention.
Ogunmoroti has crafted a work that is as delightful in its levity as it is profound in its emotional depth. With a few refinements, this novel could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with contemporary and new adult fictional works worldwide. It’s a story about performance, identity, and love—in all its awkward, aching, and awe-filled glory.